Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that understands, diagnoses, and treats the diseases that affect the supporting structures of your teeth. These supporting structures include your gums, periodontal membranes, alveolar bone, and other areas of your jawbone. You may need to visit a periodontics office if you have developed gum disease, are at high risk of gum disease, or have suffered complications due to gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, the most serious form of which is called periodontal disease, is an infection that affects your supporting dental structure. Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults, and it occurs in most adults. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), periodontal disease occurs in nearly 50 percent of adults. Once adults reach age 65, that percentage increases to 70 percent.
Gum disease occurs due to the buildup of bacteria and plaque along the edge of your gum line. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar and cannot be removed without the help of a dentist or periodontics office. If gum disease is not treated or stopped in its early stages, it develops into the more severe periodontal disease, characterized by the chronic inflammatory response of the gum tissues and supporting bone structure of your teeth. Symptoms of gum disease include periodontal pockets (gum pulls away from teeth, creating pockets), gum recession, loose teeth, exposed roots, gum inflammation and bleeding, and discomfort. If this sounds familiar to you, you should visit a periodontics office immediately to reduce your risk of losing teeth and needing oral surgery.
Signs You Need to Visit a Periodontics Office
- Gum disease runs in your family.
- You are pregnant (women who are pregnant are more susceptible to gum disease due to an increase in natural bacteria).
- Gums are swollen, red, and bleed when you brush or floss.
- You notice your breath is constantly foul-smelling, even after brushing.
- You notice a metallic taste in your mouth.
- Your gums are receding, showing more of your tooth, or you have pockets between your teeth and gums.
- Your teeth feel loose or like they are shifting in alignment.
- You notice weakness when you chew.
- It is uncomfortable to eat.
- Your teeth are extra-sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- You smoke or chew tobacco.
- You have night grinding habits.
- You have diabetes, which results in higher levels of sugar in saliva.
- You have receding gums due to genetics (receding gums make you more at risk for gum disease).
These signs you need to visit a periodontics office should be taken seriously. Even if you do not have gum disease, you may have another dental structure issue that needs to be repaired. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends patients receive an all-inclusive periodontal evaluation from a dentist or periodontics office once a year to ensure a periodontal disease doesn't develop because it was unnoticed in its beginning stages. If you develop gum disease, we can help you fight it by providing you with the necessary periodontics treatment options.
